Summary
Clients pay suppliers directly—you never handle client money
Your commission arrives from Fora after the supplier pays, following the client's travel
Never use your own credit card for client bookings—strict policy violation
Gross rates: client pays published rate, commission paid later (most common)
Net rates: you get wholesale rate, set markup as income (less common)
Takeover bookings: adding Fora's IATA number to an existing reservation a client already made, so it becomes commissionable (depends on supplier; never for self-bookings)
Cancelled trips = no commission
Your clients pay suppliers directly. Your commission arrives from Fora after the supplier pays, following the client's travel.
How the payment flow works
You identify the right hotel, cruise, or tour for your client and confirm availability
The supplier provides a payment link, booking code, or processes the client's card directly
Your client pays the supplier
You track the booking and stay in communication throughout
After the client travels, the supplier pays Fora the commission
Fora pays you your share via direct deposit
You are the planner and relationship manager. Fora is the back office. The supplier is the merchant.
For details on payment timing, cycles, and when to expect your commission, see When Do I Get Paid.
The rule you must follow
Never use your own credit card for client bookings. This is a strict policy violation—it exposes you to liability, violates supplier agreements, and blurs the financial separation that protects everyone. If a client asks you to "just put it on your card and they'll pay you back"—the answer is no.
Fora is not a tour operator
Tour operators collect one payment and distribute funds to multiple vendors. Fora doesn't work that way. For complex trips with multiple components, clients may make several separate payments to different suppliers. Explain this upfront and provide clear payment instructions for each component.
Gross vs. net rates
Gross rates (most common)
Client pays the published/retail rate
Supplier pays commission to Fora later (14-60 days post-travel)
Fora pays your share on the next payment cycle
Example:
Client pays $1,000 to hotel
Hotel pays $150 commission (15%) to Fora
You receive 70% of $150 = $105
When you'll see this: most hotel and cruise bookings.
Net rates
Supplier provides a wholesale/net rate
You set the retail rate for the client
Your income is the markup
Example:
Supplier offers $800 net rate
You sell to client for $1,000
Your income is $200 markup
When you'll see this: some tour operators, DMCs, and specific supplier programs.
Takeover bookings
Adding Fora's IATA to an existing reservation so it becomes commissionable.
Scenario | Typically allowed? |
Client booked directly with hotel | Sometimes |
Client booked directly with cruise line | Sometimes |
Client booked via OTA (Online Travel Agency, e.g. Expedia or Booking.com) | Usually No |
Self-booking takeover | Never |
To request a takeover: contact the supplier directly, provide Fora's IATA number, and ask if they can add the agency to the existing reservation. Success depends entirely on supplier policy.
Handling modifications and cancellations
Aspect | What to Know |
Cancellation policy | Varies by supplier; visible in portal before booking |
Commission impact | Cancelled trips = no commission |
Refund timing | Depends on supplier processing |
Documentation | Keep records of cancellation requests |
Price drops
Fora provides a price drop tool to monitor rates after booking and rebook at lower rates for refundable bookings.
Group payment limitations
Fora cannot collect one lump sum from clients or pay multiple vendors on clients' behalf. For groups, clients pay suppliers directly via individual payment links. See Can I Book Group Travel for details.
Service fees: the exception
Planning fees are separate from travel payments. Fora can process service fee invoices on your behalf for a 5% processing fee, or you can collect them directly using your own invoicing system.
Example: $200 planning fee → Fora's payment partner processes → takes $10 (5%) → you receive $190.
Booking documentation
Document | Why |
Client requests | Record what they asked for |
Quotes provided | Track what you offered |
Booking confirmations | Proof of reservation |
Supplier communications | Support for issues |
Payment confirmations | Financial records |
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
Client wants to book but price seems high | Check for promotions; consider Fora Reserve |
Client already booked and wants you involved | Ask supplier about takeover (no guarantee) |
Client wants to cancel | Check policy, explain any fees, process cancellation |
Price drops after booking | Use price drop tool to rebook if refundable |
Client wants you to charge their card | Never use your card; have them pay supplier directly |
Client wants one payment for multi-vendor trip | Explain Fora can't act as tour operator; each supplier billed separately |
FAQs
What if the client's payment fails?
Have them contact their card issuer or use an alternative payment method. Do not use your own card.
Can I hold a booking without payment?
Depends on supplier policy. Many require deposit or full payment to confirm.
What happens if a supplier doesn't pay commission?
Fora's commission operations team follows up. If supplier truly defaults, commission may not be payable.
How do I handle disputes?
Work with the client and supplier to resolve. Escalate to Fora support for complex issues.